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Competitive spirit varies in final Pro Bowl walkthrough

The Kansas City Chiefs' Jamaal Charles says the Pro Bowl is "not like a competitive game" as officials weigh the game's future. The Chicago Bears' Charles Tillman says he doesn't want it to die out on his watch.

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Competitive spirit varies in final Pro Bowl walkthrough

AP
5:27 p.m. MST January 26, 2013

Defensive end Julius Peppers of the Chicago Bears, right, lines up against tight end Kyle Rudolph of the Minnesota Vikings during NFC practice for the 2013 Pro Bowl.(Photo: Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

Players interacted with fans and practiced at Aloha Stadium the day before the Pro Bowl

Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles says it's 'not like a competitive game' as officials want just that

Bears cornerback Charles Tillman says he doesn't want the Pro Bowl to get canceled on his watch

The Pro Bowl players practiced a little, too, on a sunny Saturday in Honolulu one day before an all-star game that will likely be used to determine its own future.

But the game's main purpose is fun, said several players including Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph and Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles.

"I feel like there's no responsibility, it's just all about fun," Charles said. "You work hard during the year — it's not like a competitive game."

Competition — or at least the appearance of it — is exactly what the NFL is looking for from its stars on Sunday as it uses the game as a measurement of whether it's worth putting on in future years. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said the game will stop if play doesn't improve, drawing mixed reactions from top players all over the league.

The game should see plenty of scoring, thanks to limits on blitzing and defensive schemes. Bookmakers in Las Vegas expect a combined 81 1/2 points scored, with the AFC squad slightly favored. The NFC and AFC have won five Pro Bowls each in the last 10 meetings.

Houston tight end Owen Daniels says fans won't see many big hits.

"You're not going to see people play dirty or giving it up like a playoff game, but that's just the way it is," Daniels said. "I think you've got to accept that and . know that we love being out here and I think you've got to know that the people here love having us out here."

Daniels said he's been motivated to return to the Pro Bowl after making his first all-star team in 2009. He said he sees the Pro Bowl as a good consolation for players who would rather be in the Super Bowl.

Peterson said moments like his chat with two NFL greats are what make the trip worthwhile for him.

"It's the best part," he said. "It's a bonus, man."

Charles said he's enjoyed watching the leadership of other Pro Bowl players as he's been taking on a bigger leadership role with the Chiefs.

"I'm just trying to keep grinding and working hard," he said. "Trying to be where I'm at right now — trying to get back here next year."